Are you a “Civil War Buff?” If so, you probably know about Corinth and all its history related to the Civil War.
Of course, I know the basic history of the Civil War. I know about Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. I know about Shiloh. But I don’t know much about individual battles and commanders besides the two I’ve mentioned.
Last year, we stopped in Corinth on our way home from Gulf Shores. While there, we learned Corinth wasn’t too far from Helen Keller’s birthplace, Ivy Green. So, we planned to return and see Ivy Green and to explore a bit more of the city. We had heard there was a great old drug store in Corinth which had a soda fountain and fantastic milk shakes. Put it on the list!
This year, we discovered that a Civil War battle occurred in Corinth, and more than that, Corinth was a major strategic location during the Civil War. Both the north and south occupied Corinth at different points. We certainly did not absorb all there is to learn about Corinth and the Civil War. Rather, we learned just a bit, enough to note some places and resources for future visits.
Located near our Cross City RV Park was the Alcorn County Welcome Center. Here we picked up a brochure for a Historic Downtown Walking Tour of Corinth, “60 Sites 60 minutes.” Later, I learned this Welcome Center has a free RV dump, and you are allowed to stay the night. While the Welcome Center is a wonderful option, we do prefer the Cross City RV Park. It’s a good deal at $25 a night for full hook-ups.
After the Welcome Center, we went to the Corinth Interpretive Center. Here there is almost an infinite amount of information about the Civil War history at Corinth and at Shiloh. We visited about an hour and a half there. To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming. For someone who is not a Civil War buff, I need an approach where it is easier to learn the story, the main points, rather than the nuances of every battle. There were three films offered; we did watch one – the longest one, and it was an excellent film.
Again, I picked up a number of brochures. One is a detailed description of the historic sites at Shiloh. The other is entitled, “Birthplace of Freedom: Corinth Contraband Camp.” I will read and absorb these brochures later, likely when we are back home.
Time for lunch. We went to Borroum’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain. Dan and I split a chicken wrap and chips, as we don’t usually eat a big lunch. It was very good, and the service was fast and friendly. We skipped the milkshakes and the ice cream, as well as the slug burgers which Jim, our campground owner had recommended to us. Sometimes we just don’t want to try something new.
1871
Borroum’s Drug Store was #38 on the “60 sites…” brochure, so we completed the one mile walking tour after lunch. On the walking tour, we saw Fillmore Street Chapel – the oldest church in Corinth, Grant’s Headquarters during the Civil War (now the Corinth City Hall), the Crossroads, the Coke museum, and several historic homes.
We are glad to have discovered Corinth. As time goes on, we hope to learn more about its history. As for us, it is time to move on to our next destination.
Chambers on the Road 
Although I’m not a Civil War “buff” (hubs would fall into that category), I’ve been interested in it ever since reading Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind”. When a girlfriend and I vacationed in New Orleans in the mid 70’s, we visited the Chalmette National Cemetery and that solidified my interest. I believe I’ve read about Corinth or have heard it mentioned in programs or movies about the Civil War. Your post was, as always, interesting and informative and your accompanying photos are perfect, Betty!
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Thank you, Terry. I am very interested in the Civil War, too, but I don’t rise to the level of “buff.” I do want to learn more about Corinth, and I have read its Interpretive Center should be the start for a trip to Shiloh. For now, I understand why our campground was named “Cross City RV Park.” And I have to say the southern people are so very friendly. I enjoy that. Hope you have a great day!
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Thanks for another informative post. Once again I learned something new today which makes it a great day. When I visit a site such as this I always take a lot – I mean a lot – of pictures. Especially of any plaques or posters that contain information. Then I come home and read them at my leisure. Then to find an old fashioned drug store and soda fountain how great was that. Continue to enjoy your travels.
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Thank you! I take lots of pictures of the signs, too. And I take brochures which I think I will read. I often refer to my pictures or the brochures, when I’m writing the blog posts, so I’m sure to give accurate information. There is usually so much to remember, I want to get it right. Great minds think alike! Have fun on your travels, too!
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I’m not much of a civil war buff either but we have visited a lot of battlefields. The town sounds like a nice drop-off. I liked th info on the city rv park- good info to save for a future possible visit!
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The sign said there was 24 hour security, but I don’t know what that means. Is it just a camera to record what happens? However, there are good reviews on Campendium. Safe travels!
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Super post
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Thank you!
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I am not a civil war buff; however, I have been to Gettysburg a few times. I do enjoy driving around the battlefield and visiting all the monuments. Good post on Corinth.
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Thank you, Linda. I have never been to Gettysburg, but I would like to visit sometime. I also enjoy reading the monuments. Enjoy your day!
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Love this. All so fascinating….
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Thank you! Hope you have a great day!
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I enjoy history, but I would not consider myself a “buff”. Civil War history is especially hard to wrap my head around. There is just so much information and so many stories. Last year we learned about the battle at Crooked Creek and the mule brigade in Alabama while visiting a small private museum near West Point.
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I feel similar to how you feel. I do enjoy history, but I enjoy it and learn it best in smaller chunks. I like the approach of learning just a piece of it at a time. For this stop in Corinth, I did learn quite a few things. I think I will remember it better also by not trying to learn so much at once.
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I love Civil War history. Sadly we missed this place when we were at Helen Keller’s home. Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome. Corinth was about 50 miles away from Helen Keller’s home. We just made a day trip out of it. Corinth is a great place for Civil War history. Enjoy your day!
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